Tonga will want to make an impression at the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan this spring starting with their opening game against England on September 22. They now have 1999 World Cup winner and Wallabies legend Toutai Kefu on board as head coach, who will be eager to cause a few upsets and instil a winning mentality.
Like fellow Pacific Island nations Fiji and Samoa, Tonga produces a huge amount of world-class rugby players compared to their small population, but these talents are often snapped up by bigger nations on residency rules – players such as the Vunipola brothers, both of whom they will face against England.
Tonga has some standout opposition in Pool C such as France, Argentina and the USA – all of which will be really difficult games and give them invaluable experience going forward.
The Rugby World Cup 2019 TV Preview – Can Tonga create a Shock?
Tonga has featured at every World Cup since 1991, but have never reached the knock-out stages. By far their biggest result came back in 2011 when they shocked the rugby world by beating France 19-14. Putting things into perspective, that same French team went on to the final, losing narrowly to the All Blacks in Auckland.
It will be a tough ask to get out of their group here in this edition of the Rugby World Cup, with the two advancing teams likely to come from England, France and Argentina, but they will definitely entertain. With players such as half-back Sonatane Takulua and Telusa Veainu they can definitely sprinkle a bit of attacking magic on the world’s biggest stage.
What Tonga lack in depth they make up for in passion and pride, and they will certainly be very entertaining to watch this spring in Japan – where they will have big support.
Review of Tonga’s Group Matches
Tonga vs England: A tough opening World Cup game against team England will certainly help Toutai Kefu’s men gauge where they sit in World Rugby terms. England are really hitting form though and should win comfortably over 80 mins.
Tonga vs Argentina: If Tonga can frustrate the Argentina rugby side then you get the feeling this could be a close game. But if the Pumas run in a couple of early tries they should come out on top with ease.
Tonga vs France: Surely Tonga can’t pull off another major World Cup upset against the French? If Tonga can keep it going for a full 80 minutes, anything can happen and France Rugby fans will be biting their nails at the thought of this one.
Tonga vs USA: This is easily the best chance Tonga have to put a win on the board. They will be looking to end their World Cup campaign against a United States rugby team that is pretty much operating at the same level. Will definitely be compelling viewing.
How to stream every Tonga game at The Rugby World Cup 2019™
Kayo Sports will have every match of the Rugby World Cup 2019™ LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. You’ll also get access to a range of great features, including SplitView (which lets you watch up to four different sporting events simultaneously on the same screen, on compatible devices) as well as No Spoilers (hides the scores) and Key Moments (lets you jump to the most important moments of the match – available for selected sports and matches), all of which greatly enhance the viewing experience for those watching on-demand.
Take a moment to review the Kayo 14 days free trial, and then check out the Rugby World Cup 2019™ fixture list below. You can then start streaming team Tonga rugby live to a variety of eligible devices, also listed below.
Note: Kayo requires internet & compatible device. Data charges may apply. Kayo service available in Australia only.
| Device | Available? | User Guide |
|---|---|---|
| PC/Mac | Yes | Web browser only (Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge) |
| iOS/Android Phones/Tablets | Yes | Via native apps (iOS 11 and Android 6 minimum) |
| Google Chromecast | Yes | Chromecast Ultra or 3rd Generation required for 1080p HD, otherwise 720p |
| Telstra TV | Yes | Split View not available; TTV1 limited to 720p |
| Android TV | Yes | Via app for version 7.0 and up |
| Samsung Smart TVs | Yes | 2017 and later models |
| PS4 and Xbox One | Soon | App in development |
| Apple TV | Yes | 4th Generation or higher |
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What time do Tonga Play? Live TV Fixtures
TV fixtures are shown as Sydney time, so you may need to adjust the hour depending on where you live. Rugby World Cup 2019™ on-demand match replays will be made available following the conclusion of each game – so you will need to consult your Kayo Sports TV Guide during the tournament for exact times.
Tonga Group Games Live TV (Sydney time)
| Date | Event | Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 22 Sept | Tonga vs England | 8:45pm | Kayo / Fox Sports |
| Sat 28 Sept | Tonga vs Argentina | 2:45pm | Kayo / Fox Sports |
| Sun 6 Oct | Tonga vs France | 5:45pm | Kayo / Fox Sports |
| Sun 13 Oct | Tonga vs USA | 3:45pm | Kayo / Fox Sports |
| Sat 19 Oct | England v Australia | 6:15pm | Kayo / Fox Sports / Channel 10 |
| Sat 19 Oct | New Zealand v Ireland | 9:15pm | Kayo / Fox Sports |
| Sun 20 Oct | Wales v France | 6:15pm | Kayo / Fox Sports / Channel 10 |
| Sun 20 Oct | Japan v South Africa | 9:15pm | Kayo / Fox Sports |
| Sat 26 Oct | Semi Final 1 | 6:00pm | Kayo / Fox Sports |
| Sun 27 Oct | Semi Final 2 | 7:00pm | Kayo / Fox Sports |
| Fri 1 Nov | Bronze Final | 7:00pm | Kayo / Fox Sports |
| Sat 2 Nov | Final | 7:00pm | Kayo / Fox Sports / TenPlay |
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